9 things I did when I was 29

1. Lost my bus in Johor
Grew another year older and instantly reverted to an idiot. I was too caught up with watching a video on my laptop that when the bus I was riding from Melaka to Singapore pulled up at Johor Bahru’s Larkin bus station, I hurriedly got off, thinking it was immigration. On the upside though, I learned that even when you’ve lost your bus, there are alternative ways to go to your destination. Just relax and take it one step at a time… you’ll get there eventually with more stories to tell.

My workstation in Mahabang Buhangin. Such is the life of a travel blogger.

2. Saw proboscis monkeys in the wild
I was burning out from traveling last February and coupled with some money problems, I was ready to put off going to Kota Kinabalu. Up to the last minute, I was thinking whether I should still go. I’m glad I did because I had an awesome time — a serene boat ride along the river, gorgeous views (there was a cute Eastern European guy in the boat next to ours), great company (Hi Giselle!) and of course, seeing the unusual monkeys in their natural habitat.3. Went to El Nido
I honestly never thought I’d be able to visit this dream destination. Thanks to Seair and some awesome friends, we had a blast swimming, snorkeling and basically just lazing about in this gorgeous paradise.

4. Slept underneath the stars in a deserted beach
The Philippines is home to some of the best beaches in the world, and Mahabang Buhangin in Calaguas island is one of them. Imagine a long stretch of fine white sand beach with clear turquoise waters gently crashing on the shore and there are less than a dozen people to share it with. Heaven.

Jumped without hesitation, but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t scared!

5. Bungy jumped from the highest commercial platform in the world
Yeah, it’s not enough to just bungy, it has to be from the highest bungy! It wasn’t planned at all — I had this crazy idea of jumping when I got the invitation to tour from the Macau Government Tourism Office. The words “No refund” sealed the deal for me and I made my way to the 61st floor of the Macau Tower and jumped amidst all my paranoid thoughts.

6. Crossed the streets of Vietnam
Vietnam is known to be every pedestrian’s hell with the thousands of motorcycles that zoom through the streets. I remember when I was just starting to plan trips in 2006 that Vietnam is one place that I won’t visit on my own because I’d be to scared to cross the streets. As every travel guide advice, just walk slowly and don’t step back. Much like life.

7. Went to Disneyland for the first time
I never really thought about going to Disneyland, because I always travel alone and theme parks are never fun when you’re alone. But thanks to Nuffnang, I was able to enjoy it (and the Disneyland Hotel) both with friends and on my own. I have to say, the Disney magic is really something else.

One of the most amazing scenes in the world: watching the sky change colors over the tips of a hundred ancient temples that dot the horizon

8. Made friends on the road
I’ve always said it in this blog: I’m not friendly and terribly shy. As the blog grow though, so did I. Thanks to the people I met through blogging, I have grown more confident (a bit conceited at times, too), and I’m not as afraid to talk to people now. Go me!

9. Watched the sun rise over the ancient temples of Bagan
My goal for this year was simple: complete visiting the 10 ASEAN member countries before my 30th birthday. Yes, I cheated; it was supposed to be Southeast Asia, but I knew I won’t be able to do East Timor this year. Brunei and Myanmar were the last two in my list and I ticked them off just in time. It was a trip that almost never happened, but now I’m so glad I did — it was easily one of the best experience I’ve ever had. To all the people I’ve met and encountered during this last trip — Toni and family, Badong, Jim, Camille, Danielle, Kissman, Norli and Fateh — thank you. Your company was the best birthday present I can ever have.

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Nina doesn't aim to travel to every country in the world -- she just wants to travel to the places that means the most to her. She started traveling in 2006, and hopes to travel for as long as she can. Her travel blog, Just Wandering won the Best Travel Blog in the 2010 Philippine Blog Awards and in the 2011 Nuffnang Asia Pacific Blog Awards.

Ah Pagan ! What a truly mystical place . Many fond memories . Burma was a completely different place when I was there in 1982 . Now that Aung San Suu Kyi is no longer under house arrest its about time to return .

I hope so , we had 7 days to see as much as possible …and it was amazing ! Loved every second of it . The whole time in Burma cost US$10 lol . Bought a carton of 555 cigarettes and as bottle of Johnny Walker whiskey in Bangkok and sold it to the taxi driver upon arrival in Rangoon for Kyats , and that paid for the whole trip . Met some fantastic Burmese people and their families and have memories that will stay with me forever.

Nina doesn't aim to travel to every country in the world -- she just wants to travel to the places that means the most to her. She started traveling in 2006, and hopes to travel for as long as she can. Her travel blog, Just Wandering won the Best Travel Blog in the 2010 Philippine Blog Awards and in the 2011 Nuffnang Asia Pacific Blog Awards.